Naypyitaw, November 13
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today asserted that the world community must reject any linkage between religion and terrorism while formulating a “genuinely international” partnership in the fight against all forms of terror acts.

“There is a need for India and ASEAN to collaboratively tackle terrorism, drug-trafficking and gun-running,” Modi said.

In his intervention at the East Asia Summit, he said it should be ensured that cyber and space remained a source of connectivity and prosperity, not new threats of conflict.

Leaders of 18 countries, including US President Barack Obama and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, are assembled at the one-day ninth East Asian Summit here in the Myanmar capital.

“We support the East Asia Summit Declaration on the Islamic State (terror group). At the same time, comprehensive response against terrorism requires a genuinely international partnership against all terrorism. Those who believe in humanity must come together. We should also reject any linkage between religion and terrorism,” he said.

“Challenges of terrorism and extremism have increased. There is close link with drug trafficking, arms smuggling and money laundering,” he said.

On economic issues, Modi pushed for a “balanced” Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, which gives equal emphasis on goods and services, saying this could become a “springboard” for regional integration and prosperity.

Modi also conveyed India’s best wishes for the goal of creating an ASEAN Community in 2015. “ASEAN’s success is an inspiration for broader integration in the Asia-Pacific region. India has great confidence in Asian centrality and leadership in pursuing that goal,” he said.

The PM said Ebola had once again highlighted the importance of international cooperation in combating pandemics while mentioning India’s contribution of $12 million as part of the global fight against the deadly virus.

“We also have 251 police personnel, including 104 women, as part of the UN Mission in Liberia. They have all remained on duty in Liberia,” Modi said. — PTI